OBITUARY

Herbert E. Ruben

October 15, 1925 – May 20, 2013

Herbert E. Ruben, of Long Beach, Long Island, on May 20, 2013, beloved father of Michael Ruben and Sandy Ruben and daughters-in-law, Kelly Easton Ruben and Kirsten Ruben, four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. Herb was born on 8/15/1925 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A life-long activist for peace and social change and a social worker, Herb grew up in Philadelphia and attended St. Joseph’s University and the University of Chicago, where he earned an M.S.W. During World War II, he was a member of the 1st Division US Marine Corps stationed in Okinawa. Herb, a leader and advocate for mental health services on Long Island served as executive director of Family Services of Five Towns and its successor Peninsula Counseling Center of Valley Stream from 1957 to 2010, and wrote a well-respected column, “Let’s Talk it Over,” for the South Shore Record for many years He was a psychotherapist with an active practice. Recently, he served as Director of the Veteran’s Mental Health Coalition of Long Island and NYC and volunteered at NYU Medical School of Medicine-Veteran’s Family Support Clinic. He was the former president of Temple Beth Emeth, Rockville Centre and past member of the National Board of Reconstructionist Congregation. He is remembered for his kindness, generosity, warm loving soul, commitment to social justice, and life itself. His funeral will be held at Boulevard-Riverside Chapel in Hewlett, Long Island on Thursday, May 23 at 11:30am and internment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory can be made to the American Jewish World Service.

REMEMBERING

Herbert E. Ruben

Jamie Silberman

Herb was a great leader and role model for us....he had great wisdom in the world of social work, rest in peace..

Jamie Silberman and Rena Ben-Shalom

Nancy Kevin

May 28, 2013

Michael and Sandy-so sorry for your loss! I have many fond memories of our families gathering during our childhoods. May your memories of your dad give you comfort. Nancy Levin

May 24, 2013

Herb was my dear frend and beloved mentor. His wisdom, love and guiding impact on my life and my family's is immeasurable. We will all miss him. May his memory be for a Blessing! David J. Gavurin, L.C.S.W.

stacy cohen

May 23, 2013

So sorry for your loss, Michael and Sandy. Herb was family for many years. Thinking of you all. Stacy Cohen

May 23, 2013

My mother Agnes served on the board of Peninsula Counseling Center for many years. She had deep respect and admiration for Herb and his dedicated service to PCC's clients, the community and their shared profession-social work. If her health permitted, she would surely be at today's services. Instead I will represent the Louards. We share the family's sense of loss and offer our deepest condolences. ~ Diane Louard-Michel, Agnes Louard, Ken Louard & Rita Louard, MD, New York City

May 22, 2013

May God comfort you during this time. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

Audrey Goodman

May 21, 2013

I was privileged to know and work with Herb for many years, I learned so much from him and like everyone else, grew to love him for always caring. He was a visionary and accomplished more in one year than most could in a lifetime. His purpose was always to help and to listen and to advise, and the most wonderful thing about it was that he was grateful for the opportunity. And, amongst so many other things, I am most grateful to Herb for always believing in me. I could never thank him enough for all he did for me and I will really, really miss him.

May 21, 2013

I was sorry to hear about Herb Ruben's death. I am a Clinical Social Worker and had a great deal of respect for the kind of person and Professional that Herb was. He will be missed by many people. Herb was committed to helping all people, including Veteran's.. My sincere condolences to his family. Ed Paley,LCSW

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